5 Reasons To Choose Structural Timber Framing For Commercial Building Construction
If your business needs to build a new commercial building, you might assume that the newest and most modern building techniques and materials are inherently superior. However, many new commercial buildings are still constructed using structural timber framing, which has been used in building construction for thousands of years.
When you look at the benefits timber frame construction can bring to a new building, it's easy to see why many commercial construction projects rely on this ancient building technique. Timber frame construction can have numerous advantages over structural insulated panels, reinforced concrete, steel and other structural framing materials.
Why Choose Structural Timber Framing For Commercial Buildings?
Lower Construction Costs
Careful budgeting is an essential part of any commercial construction project, and choosing timber frame construction can be an excellent way to lower costs without compromising on build quality. Timber framing generally costs significantly less than both steel framing and reinforced concrete construction and is particularly cost-effective when used to construct low- and mid-rise commercial structures.
Faster Construction
One major reason timber framed buildings are inexpensive is because they are relatively quick and easy to build. Constructing structural timber framing takes significantly less time, equipment and labour than welding or riveting steel framing or designing, pouring and curing a large reinforced concrete support section. Timber frame design will ensure your new building is ready for use ASAP.
Improved Building Insulation
One of the major disadvantages of conventional steel framing is that it can undermine a building's heat insulation measures. Even if your steel framed building is well insulated, excessive heat transfer can occur through the steel framing itself, as steel is a very poor heat insulator.
Structural timber's thick, semi-porous structure makes it a much more effective heat insulator, and choosing timber framing can make building insulation measures significantly more effective. Better insulation means less reliance on HVAC equipment to keep your building at a comfortable temperature, which can lower your building's energy and utility bills.
Environmentally Friendly
If you run an environmentally conscious business and want your new building to reflect these values, structural timber framing is a smart, sustainable choice. When sourced from a reputable timber plantation, structural timber has very low embodied carbon and energy costs compared to other structural materials. Before they are felled, the living trees also act as an effective carbon sink.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Steel framing and structural panels tend to look very drab and utilitarian and are usually concealed behind walls and other fittings. Exposed structural timber framing, on the other hand, can be a very attractive addition to any commercial building interior. Visible timber framing can give your building's interior a more organic, less sterile feel, making it ideal for many public-facing commercial buildings.
Consider using timber products in your next project.